HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-11-2012CITY OF MEDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
1. Call to Order: Commissioner Charles Nolan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Planning Commissioners Robin Reid, Randy Foote, Kent Williams,
Kathleen Martin, V. Reid, Charles Nolan and John Anderson.
Absent: None
Also Present: City Planner Dusty Finke
2. Public Comments on items not on the agenda
No public comments.
3. Update from Citv Council proceedings
Finke updated the Commission on recent activities and decisions by the City Council.
4. Planning Department Report
Finke provided an update of upcoming Planning projects.
5. Approval of the August 13, 2012 Draft Planning Commission meeting minutes.
Motion by R. Reid, seconded by Anderson, to approve the August 13, 2012
minutes with noted corrections. Motion carried unanimously. (Absent: None)
6. Public Hearing — Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 8 of the Medina City Code
related to Wind Energy Conversion Systems, solar panels, and geothermal heat
sources.
Finke stated that the staff report summarizes the major policy questions which remain
open. He stated that the Commission had recommended prohibiting WECS in
residential districts at their August meeting, and had recommended limitations in
terms of capacity and height. He noted that the ordinance was amended to allow for
either monopole or lattice towers. He directed the Commission's attention to the
minimum 300 foot setback requirement, as it was more restrictive than most
ordinances.
Public Hearing opened at 7:26 p.m.
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Clarkson Lindley (1588 Homestead Trail) stated that his understanding is that the
Commission's recommendation was to disallow WECS in residential areas. He was
supportive of that and did not oppose allowing them along Highway 55.
Elizabeth Weir questioned if the Commission may want to discuss the limitation of
one WECS per lot, especially relating to shorter, helix turbines. Also, she wondered
if micro -wind may improve over time.
Public Hearing closed at 7:31 p.m.
V. Reid stated that she support allowing micro -wind on residential property. It is not
the Commission's role to consider the economies. Smaller turbines seem consistent
with rural character, they really are fitting. She would support large setbacks, but
thinks the City should be more open to renewable energy and property owners
attempting to be more self-sufficient.
Williams stated that he agrees with the old-timey windmills. He was concerned that
if you open up the door that something unintended may come in. Williams stated that
the City should wait until there is more demand.
Commissioners discussed the potential of allowing more than one shorter WECS on a
parcel, but maintaining the limitation of one per lot for WECS over 50 feet in height.
Finke inquired if the Commission was open to a reduced setback requirement for
shorter WECS. The consensus of the Commission was that this would be acceptable.
Motion by Williams, seconded by Anderson to recommend approval of the
ordinance with the following changes: 1) allowing up to two WECS per lot,
provided one of them is 50 feet in height or less; and 2) reducing the setback
requirements for WECS 50 feet in height or less to 100 feet.
Motion by V. Reid, seconded by Martin to amend the motion to recommend
allowing WECS within the Rural Residential zoning district under the following
circumstances: Minimum lot size 20 acres, maximum 50 feet in height,
minimum of 100 foot setback, and which shall be located within 100 feet of home
or barn structure.
Williams stated that he opposes the amendment. Although he agrees that existing
traditional turbines may be consistent. New ones are not consistent with this. He also
stated that the amended ordinance is supportive of renewable energy and it does not
need to be expanded further.
Foote agreed with Williams and stated that he does not believe that potential impacts
for residential properties are worth opening the door.
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Anderson stated that he agrees with Williams and Foote, and added that the City
should be open to reconsidering in the future.
Nolan stated that he agrees with Williams and Foote, and added that he is concerned
with the clutter of non -operating turbines, especially when the production of
electricity is so limited.
Nolan called for a vote on the amendment.
Motion to amend failed 2-5 (in favor: V. Reid and Martin).
Nolan put the main motion to a vote.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. Council Meeting Schedule
Anderson agreed to attend the September 18 City Council meeting
11. Adiourn
Motion by Williams, seconded by R. Reid, to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously. (Absent: None)
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